Child Friendly Cornwall

Living in a place it is easy to become complacent and take what you have for granted.  It is only having gone away up country recently that we realised just how child friendly Cornwall is and how you can pretty much go anyway and be welcomed with small people.  St Austell itself has an array of child friendly cafes that provide activities and entertainment for free.  Tengo Cafe on the main high street has just introduced 'Tengo Tots' with a large indoor play area, selection of toys and a good children's menu.  The Eden Cafe, also in St Austell not only has a lovely toy box and lots of highchairs but they also offer a number of free children's activities that you can drop into such as Tots Rocks (this is brilliant), which is every Wednesday from 10am or Rhymetime every Tuesday from 3.30pm.  Both great activities for a rainy day.  Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, a short drive away has a large soft play area which you can use for free if you purchase a coffee.

Cornwall also boasts a large number of attractions that are great for all the family.  For the younger ones why not take a ride on a train at Lappa Valley.  The park has a number of small trains for your to ride on, a maze, canoeing, play area and lots to keep small people amused.  The National Maritine Museum will entertain the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits and displays to engage everyone.

There are many great places to eat as a family here too.  Our favourite is Lewinnick Lodge in Newquay as it offers great food, with stunning views and is very child friendly.  For an upmarket experience visit the Bedrutham Wild Cafe.  Set on the cliffs this child friendly hotel offers non guest a brilliant child friendly cafe.  Great place to stop off at if you are enjoying the north coast.  Sam's in Fowey offers a lovely children's menu with lots of things other than chips on the menu such as homemade lasagne.

If the selection of animals at Tregongeeves is not enough for you then why not venture out to Newquay Zoo. The small zoo is laid out well and has a good selection of animals.  Newquay Aquarium is also worth a trip too.  A real treat is a visit to The Monkey Sancturay in Looe.  Located in beautiful grounds the sanctuary has a selection of rescure monkey.

Talking of animals everyone is well here at Tregongeeves.  In fact Judith will be adding to her wide collection of animals over the festive period as she adds Dave - the one eyed guinea pig to her collection. He belongs to her grandaughter who is away over Christmas so she has kindly agreed to look after him - what's one more to add to the collection!

'Tis the Season to be Jolly, tra la la la laaaaaaa la la la laaaa

Seasons Greetings!  Here at Tregongeeves life is like one big Nativity scene with the donkeys being moved around frequently to ensure enough grazing.  The sheep have grown their winter coats - it is actually surprising how quickly they thicken up.  The pigs - Cinnamon and Nutmeg - have gone on a winter jolly to River Valley Holiday Park to help graze a paddock down there.  We have had to say goodbye to some of the older hens so we are awaiting some new arrivals.  Alice the Shetland is, well Alice, sometimes happy some times grumpy depending on the size of the carrot you greet her with.

With the reduction in animal duties for a few weeks whilst the pigs are away and fewer chickens Judith does not know what to do with herself in the morning.  So much so that I received reports that when she kindly looked after Jessica, her grand daughter, over night, the breakfast treat was a chocolate digestive and a glass of milk in bed with Granny and Grandad!

St Austell Christmas lights

If you are visiting Cornwall over the coming weeks you are in for a real treat - it really does feel special down here with festivals and celebrations happening across the County.  If you arrive this weekend be sure to head to Padstow for their Christmas Fair.  The list of talented chefs giving talks and demonstrations is amazing.  If lights are more your thing be sure to head down west to Mousehole - the small fishing village is famed for their lights display.  If you still need to do a little bit of shopping then why not head in to Truro on a Wednesday for late night shopping.  The atmosphere is always alive with childhood memories provoked by the smell of mulled wine and chestnuts.

Father Christmas will be busy this month across the whole of the county.  To see the great man is person then why not enjoy a ride on the Bodmin and Wentford Railway and meet Father Christmas on the journey.  Or he is also at The Eden Project where you can meet his elves, go ice skating and partake in a trail Lappa Valley is running Santa Express trains throughout December with the chance to meet Father Christmas too.  Or closer to home St Austell is looking beautiful with a magnificent light display and Father Christmas's Grotto to visit.
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